The blood banking community is continuously faced with the challenge of dealing with emerging transfusion transmissible diseases. These agents are in addition to the risks already posed by the traditional blood borne infectious agents, bacteria, HBV, HTLV, HIV and HCV. With FDA-approval of several protocols for pathogen reduction of blood components, we now have a proactive set of interventions that may mitigate the risk of both current and future blood borne pathogens.

Dr. Katz will present the estimated residual risks of classic transfusion transmitted pathogens (HBV, HIV and HCV) in comparison other risks of transfusion and healthcare generally, discuss the current status of those emerging pathogens of greatest concern to the blood community, including Babesia microti, chikungunya and dengue viruses, and bacterial contamination in platelets and the mitigation strategies being considered for them.

Pathogen Reduction (PR) protocols for treating units of platelets and plasma to decrease or eliminate blood borne pathogens, have recently been approved for clinical use by the FDA. Dr. Snyder will cover the science behind the mechanism of action of the several licensed technologies available, as well as the rationale for adoption of this process with a view to substantially improving the safety of the blood supply. He will also review the results of the reported PR-treated platelet and plasma clinical trials. Roadblocks to adoption of this technology including logistical and financial considerations will be addressed, and the administrative maneuvers that likely will be needed to facilitate adoption and integration of this technology by an academic medical center will be reviewed.